by Vanessa Martínez del Río
IMEX brings every year a valuable insight into the impact the industry has; “Purposeful meetings” have opened a space for MICE professionals to reflect on the lifelong positive footprints we leave behind.
Julián Guerrero, ProColombia Vice President, who will be presenting the results of a new research developed in association with EventMB states: “In the 21st century the meetings industry is not only asking questions about what a destination has to offer an event but also how an event can contribute to a destination. This is the idea of legacy.”
As jobs generators, and according to Economic Significance of Meetings report launched in February 2018, in US alone the meetings and events industry created more direct jobs than the automotive, pharmaceutical and oil and gas industries summing up a total of 5.9 million jobs in 2016.
On the hotels and lodging industry, meetings generated 300 million room nights annually, while $48 billion dollars where spent on food and beverage services.
For countries like Mexico, where local traditions are cherished and valued, and economy significantly rises thanks to the MICE industry, the positive impact gets a new meaning.
At Velas Resorts we take account of the benefits brought to local communities, preserving our culinary legacy and environment:
1. Direct contribution to the efforts made to preserve the millenary tradition of honey cultivation from melipona bees produced in the Mayan Riviera.
2. Boost of local economy on the agriculture sector, fishing industry and organic farms.
3. Mexico’s culinary traditions (and preparations) are preserved at Mexican restaurants, while gastronomic events inspire awareness on the importance of maintaining the Intangible Heritage title, granted by UNESCO.
4. Mexican fiestas that highlight dishes from different regions of the country.
5. Cooking classes to immerse guests into Mexican gastronomy.
On the environmental area, part of the income resulting from meetings and events, supports initiatives and programs such as:
1. Protection of native plants and animals (104 animal species and 53 different kinds of plants, palms and herbs) in Riviera Maya thanks to the transplantation of 15,000 trees –and growing–.
2. Clean Beach Certification from the government (only 17 beaches in Mexico have received this recognition) in Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya that serve as natural habitat for endemic species.
3. Residual water treatment facilities.
4. Air-conditioning system that reduces contaminating emissions and energy consumption.
5. Biodegradable products for cleaning and maintenance.
6. Invitation for guests to participate in the eco practices –including those pursued by Earth Check.
“There is a growing consciousness of the long-term impact we all make on the world that is running throughout our industry, society and among individuals. Our talking point gives that consciousness due recognition.” – Carina Bauer IMEX CEO
We look forward to taking part of the awareness IMEX creates about the changes we can achieve. Thank you all who have made a space in your agendas to meet us at IMEX and share a typical Mexican margarita and make a toast to legacy.